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Cardiovascular function in adulthood following intrauterine growth restriction with abnormal fetal blood flow
Author(s) -
Bjarnegård N.,
Morsing E.,
Cinthio M.,
Länne T.,
Brodszki J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1002/uog.12314
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiology , ascending aorta , blood pressure , intrauterine growth restriction , body surface area , fetus , aorta , blood flow , body mass index , doppler echocardiography , hemodynamics , pregnancy , diastole , biology , genetics
Objectives To examine whether intrauterine growth restriction ( IUGR ) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk later in life. Methods We examined 19 young adults (aged 22–25 years) who were born at term after IUGR , along with 18 controls. All had been examined previously with fetal Doppler, and in the present follow‐up with echocardiography, carotid echo‐tracking ultrasound, applanation tonometry, blood pressure and laser Doppler, in order to characterize their cardiac and vascular geometry and/or function. Results The diameter of the ascending aorta and the left ventricular diameter were smaller in the IUGR group, but only ascending aortic diameter remained significantly smaller after adjustment for body surface area ( P < 0.05). The aortic pressure augmentation index was higher in the IUGR group ( P < 0.05). The common carotid artery diameter, intima–media thickness and distensibility as well as left ventricular mass and function were similar in the two groups. IUGR status was found to be an independent predictor of ascending aortic diameter. Conclusions IUGR due to placental dysfunction seems to contribute to the higher systolic blood pressure augmentation and the smaller aortic dimensions that are observed in adults more than 20 years later, with possible negative consequences for future left ventricular performance due to increased aortic impedance.